Author: Tatyana Yukhtman

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About Tatyana Yukhtman
Tatyana Yukhtman is the founder and director of Groza Learning Center. A Harvard Kennedy School and UCLA graduate with over 25 years in education, she has helped thousands of LA students build the executive functioning skills they need to succeed.

Posts by Tatyana Yukhtman

Which Catholic High Schools in Los Angeles Require the HSPT? (2025–26 Guide)

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Most Catholic high schools in the greater Los Angeles area use the HSPT (High School Placement Test) as their primary admissions exam. Schools including Loyola High School, Notre Dame High School (Sherman Oaks), Bishop Alemany, and Marymount High School use HSPT scores for both admissions and scholarship decisions. Always confirm current testing requirements directly with […]

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Executive Functioning Skills by Age: What’s Normal at Each Stage?

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Executive functioning skills develop gradually from early childhood through the mid-20s, with the prefrontal cortex not fully mature until around age 25. A 6-year-old is expected to follow 2-step instructions and wait their turn. A 10-year-old should manage a simple homework routine independently. A 14-year-old should be able to plan ahead for assignments and manage […]

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ISEE Stanine Scores Explained: What Do LA Private Schools Actually Want?

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ISEE scores are reported on a stanine scale of 1–9, where 5 is average. Most LA private schools look for a stanine of 5 or above. Competitive schools like Harvard-Westlake and Brentwood School typically prefer students in stanines 7–9. A stanine of 9 means your child scored in the top 4% of students in their […]

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HSPT Scores Explained: What Score Do Catholic High Schools Actually Require?

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HSPT scores range from 200–800 on a scaled score, with a national percentile rank (NPR) that compares your child to other HSPT test-takers. Most Catholic high schools look for an NPR of 50 or above for general admission. Highly competitive schools typically expect the 75th percentile or higher. Scores in the 90th percentile or above […]

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8 Signs Your Child Has Executive Functioning Challenges (and What to Do)

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The most common signs of executive functioning challenges include: difficulty starting tasks (task initiation), forgetting multi-step instructions (working memory), losing materials repeatedly (organisation), emotional outbursts when plans change (cognitive flexibility), chronic lateness and poor time awareness (time management), and difficulty calming down after being upset (emotional regulation). Recognizing the Subtle Signs of Executive Functioning Problems […]

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Best Time to Take the SAT or ACT in Junior Year (2026 Guide)

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Junior year is the single most important year for SAT and ACT testing. Students who hit their target score almost always follow the same pattern: a spring junior year primary attempt, followed by one strategic retake window in fall of senior year if needed. Getting the timing right matters more than most families realise. Test […]

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Digital SAT 2026: What Parents Need to Know About the New Format

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Over the past few years, the SAT has undergone one of the biggest transformations in its history. The exam administered by the College Board is now fully digital, shorter, and designed to better reflect modern learning environments. For parents preparing their children for college admissions, understanding the Digital SAT in 2026 is essential. The format, […]

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SAT vs ACT in 2026: Which Test Is Better for Your Teen?

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Every spring, families across Los Angeles face the same question: should my teen take the SAT, the ACT — or both? It is one of the most common questions the advisors at Groza Learning Center hear from parents in Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Westwood, and Beverly Hills. Here is the most important thing to […]

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How to Raise Your SAT Score 200 Points in 3 Months (Realistic Plan)

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A 200-point improvement on the Digital SAT is one of the most common goals — and one of the most achievable — for students who approach preparation with the right system. Most students who plateau are not working hard enough; they are working on the wrong things. This guide gives you a precise, week-by-week plan […]

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